Let’s face it, as we begin to see those tell-tale signs of aging in the mirror, we often wonder if looking old is something we must endure. You might be surprised to know there really are ways in which aging gracefully can become a reality. In helping people with health and wellness solutions, I often find that an excellent benefit of working on total body health and wellness is very often a younger-looking and younger-feeling person emerges. To this day, each time this happens, I am still amazed at the person’s physical appearance and watching their emotional health and confidence soar.
Of course, when we talk about aging gracefully, we must remember there is no one magic bullet, no one supplement, and no secret cream that will keep us young. It’s my experience that looking younger is more about what we do on a day-to-day basis to care for and support our mind, body, and soul than anything else. Lifestyle habits such as eating a healthy diet, daily exercise, restful sleep, daily sunshine, clean water, clean air, healthy emotions, and limited stress will improve the inside and, best of all, will improve the outside.
I’m often asked if I have any anti-aging secrets that work…the short answer is a resounding yes. However, more than anything else, it always involves more of what is happening inside your body. Below are my suggested Ten Secrets for Aging Gracefully – Beautifully and Naturally. Implement these aging gracefully suggestions, and you might be pleasantly surprised at what you begin to see in your mirror every morning.
Ten Secrets for Aging Gracefully
1) Keep your digestive tract and liver clean.
I understand that some may wonder if cleansing and detoxifying the body is really necessary. The answer is “yes,” especially when you consider the toxic world in which we live. I highly suggest performing a liver-gallbladder-digestive tract cleanse two times a year (Spring & Fall). This will help with proper digestion as well as elimination. It will also make sure that the digestive tract is clean so that nutrients can be absorbed, utilized, and assimilated properly. A sluggish liver and bowel (constipation) can negatively affect your skin and emotions. Your liver is the main filter in your body and must be kept clean to continue to do its job properly – filtering out toxins. For instance, fatty liver disease (as many as one in five Americans have a fatty liver and don’t know it) can cause skin rashes, cellulite, difficulty in losing weight, fluid retention, dark circles under the eyes, acne, brown spots on the skin, emotional concerns and a sluggish over-all feeling. One of the first differences that many people notice after performing several liver-gallbladder cleanses is how clear their skin looks.
2) Stay Hydrated
Your body is 75% water, and your brain is about 78% water. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink water, you are already dehydrated. Try to drink half of your body weight in ounces of purified water daily, up to 126 ounces. Water hydrates your cells and facilitates the body in the efficient elimination of toxins. Drink filtered water or distilled water with added minerals. It is also advised to purchase a shower filter. Chlorine and chloramine are carcinogenic and will age your skin, not to mention harm your overall health. A 15-minute hot shower is equivalent to drinking 7 glasses of tap water.
3) Healthy Diet
Yo-yo and fad dieting are not beneficial to your body or your skin. Get on a healthy diet that promotes real food (not pre-packaged foods or chemical-laden foods, etc.) and get your weight at a healthy and maintainable level. Organic, raw fresh fruits and vegetables should make up the biggest part of your eating plan. Add organic raw nuts and seeds, organic and free-range eggs, organic oils (coconut, flaxseed, hemp, olive), and free-range, grass-fed organic meats. Make sure that you consume enough healthy fats. Try not to eat after 7:30 PM.
4) Supplementation
Include an organic multi-vitamin mineral complex, B-Complex, and organic Vitamin D3. In a study of more than 2,000 women, those with higher vitamin D levels were found to have fewer aging-related changes in their DNA, as well as lowered inflammatory responses. Another important anti-aging supplement is full-spectrum enzymes. There is evidence that systemic enzymes help the body fight inflammation, break down certain proteins and fats that make up arterial plaque, and more. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of systemic pancreatic enzymes, there is evidence that they can aid the body in dealing with virtually all inflammatory symptoms.
5) Exercise
Try to perform 30 minutes of some type of exercise daily. Walking is the cheapest, most convenient, and easiest way to exercise. You may also want to incorporate Pilates, Yoga, strength training, and/or aerobics. The main thing is to get moving and do it every single day. Like other organs of the body, the skin gets its nourishment from the bloodstream. Exercise increases the circulation of blood to the skin as well as to your organs. Lymphatic drainage techniques will keep your lymph system moving, which will aid in toxin removal. One of the best exercises in keeping the lymph system moving is rebounding. Sweating is good for you and a way for the skin to release toxins. If you sit at a computer most of the day, set a timer to remind you to get up and walk around every hour. This will boost energy, clear your mind, relax your eyes, and help with circulation.
6) Essential Fatty Acids
Good fats are essential and very necessary for a younger-looking you. They are needed to make cell membranes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Essential fatty acids help you live longer, keep your heart healthy, fight inflammation, and even prevent some cancers. Did you know that most cancer patients are deficient in EFAs? Good fats are also essential to people with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne and people with dry skin. Include in your diet freshly ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil, unrefined coconut oil, hemp seed oil, avocado oil, and some cold-water fish. Avoid saturated and animal fats. Not only will your skin look better, but you will most likely notice those pesky little aches and pains that make you feel old begin to be less noticeable.
7) Eliminate refined sugar and pre-packaged foods.
I call white refined sugar the “legal” drug of America. It is a huge culprit of disease, depression, and mood swings. Refined sugar is implicated in most degenerative diseases, and we see clinical evidence that overall health, including emotional health, improves considerably when it is removed from the diet. It has no nutritional benefit and contributes to premature aging and disease. When you need a sweetener, consider using organic fruit juice, stevia, or raw honey.
8) Use Natural skincare products
Use non-toxic skincare products on your face and skin. Be aware that even some products labeled as “natural” contain parabens (estrogenic effects), and many contain titanium dioxide, of which we are not completely sure of its safety. We should not have to be concerned with harmful chemicals in skincare products. Still, unfortunately in this area, we must diligently do our own research since manufacturers are not always truthful. Read labels and let companies know of your satisfaction or dissatisfaction concerning their product ingredients. Avoid using harsh soaps or solid cleansing creams such as cold cream on your face. Instead, use HydraCleanze Hydrating Facial Wash. Try to wash your face with distilled water – fill up a jug to keep in your bathroom. Tap water contains chlorine, chloramine, and fluoride, which kills skin cells. I recommend the Purely Ageless Natural Skincare Brand consisting of OxyBalm (oxygen facial balm), Excellae′ Age-Defense Creme, and Hydra-Tone Refining Toner as some of the finest all-natural skincare products available. For a great oxygenated facial, apply Oxy-Balm on your face at bedtime, two times weekly. Your skin will be soft and smooth in the morning and get the healing benefit of added oxygen. Don’t avoid the sun, but do respect it, and when spending long periods of time in the sun, use organic sunscreen on all exposed skin.
8) Reduce Stress
Stress is a silent killer and can wreak havoc on the entire body, both inside and outside. High-stress levels show on the skin, around the eyes, and with emotions. Reduce stress by implementing some of the following: meditation, listening to good music, taking up a hobby, yoga, Pilates, walking in nature, activities with friends, and volunteering your time for worthy causes. Sometimes the root cause of continual stress must be dealt with, such as a stressful job, boss, spouse, etc. Enjoy life and make time for fun, friends, and relaxation.
9) Restful Sleep
The importance of restful sleep cannot be overstated. It is definitely one of the most important cornerstones of good health. Your body does a tremendous amount of repair work and healing during sleep. Restful sleep helps with longevity, regulation of hormones, inflammation, and stress, and is anti-aging. I suggest being in bed every night by 10:00-10:30 PM. While this may be difficult at first, before long, your body’s Circadian Rhythm will adjust, and your body will show signs that it is ready for sleep. Be sure to turn off your computer, WI-FI devices, TV, and cell phone in the area where you sleep. The electromagnetic radiation from these devices can deplete melatonin (hormone), making it difficult for your body to experience restful sleep. Sleep in a totally dark room that is cool helps to initiate restful sleep.
10) Hormone Imbalance (men and women)
Because of our toxic environment, hormone-laden foods, estrogen-mimicking chemicals in personal care products, overconsumption of soy, and thousands of prescription medications getting into the water table, hormone imbalance is rampant and even showing up in children as young as 8 years old. Hormone imbalance can cause insomnia, dry skin, lack of energy, emotional distress, mood swings, and many other health concerns. While some herbs may help relieve hormonal symptoms or support already balanced hormones, they will not clinically balance hormones. Bioidentical Progesterone USP cream such as Oasis Serene Bio-Identical Progesterone Creme is an excellent method of rejuvenating hormones for both pre and post-menopausal women. If hormone imbalance is a concern, find a knowledgeable practitioner who uses bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT).
BONUS SUGGESTION
11) Eliminate smoking
Not only does smoking put you in genuine danger of lung cancer and other diseases. It also causes premature wrinkling of the skin around the mouth area. Most people who smoke often have dull skin, brittle hair, and yellow teeth. You inhale hundreds of toxins into the body every time you light up. So lay those cigarettes down – you will look better and feel better.
Aging gracefully, beautifully, and naturally is not difficult. If you keep the inside of your body in good health, it will reward you through your outward appearance. Remember that the help you may get from an expensive, chemical-laden jar of cream is only temporary and, in the long run, may add toxicity to your body. Employ the suggestions above, and in three months, you may very well find people commenting not only on your healthy skin but on your youthful and glowing appearance.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace your doctor’s advice. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
